EXPLORING THE EVERLASTING ATTRACTION FOR BIRDS

Abstract

From Neanderthals to users of citizen science platforms, birds always held a special place in human
societies. Birds are the most attractive animal group in many human cultures, possessing a unique set of
morphological and non-morphological traits. One of the most fascinating non-morphological features of
birds is active flight, a character that is often overlooked by researchers. Therefore, we compared the only
three animal groups possessing active flight (i.e., birds, bats, and insects), using Kellert’s nine core attitudes
towards animals, and birds always conveyed more positive feelings. The special attraction of humans
towards birds is probably responsible for the ratification of the first international conventions dedicated to
the legal protection of this specific animal taxon.